Introduction

"Introduction", Acrylic on Panel, 8x8"

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I' back to the little, holiday-themed paintings today - though this may be the last one for the month.  Today is the last day the kids are in school until after the holidays…

This is actually the second painting of my daughter with the nutcracker, but I wasn't happy with the other one.  In both, I played around with abstract patterns in the background.  I also added some bronze paint, which, though it looks yellow/brown online, is shiny in person.  It gives the painting some nice highlights.

Dreaming of Snow

"Dreaming of Snow", Acrylic on Board, 40x30"

The holiday season has reminded me of how much I miss snow.   Here's a take on one of my classic tree paintings, with colors that remind me of a snowy day.  Dream snow…better than the cold, icy and challenging to drive in variety… :)

Nutcracker Closeup

"Nutcracker Closeup", Acrylic on Panel, 7x5"

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I went back to one of the ones I did yesterday and fixed it up quite a bit.  This nutcracker was a christmas gift from my mother-in-law soon after my marriage.  It's just like the one in my childhood home, so I suppose it's the standard design.  Looking at it closely as I painted it, I was struck by how truly disturbing it is - not at all friendly, like most other Christmas decorations.    I like it all the better for that.

If you think part of the hat looks strange, it's because the paint is still wet.

Santa Baby

"Santa Baby", Acrylic on Panel, 12x9"

Though I think kids aren't quite as much fun to paint as older people (not as much facial definition), I do like painting my daughter.  Here she is enjoying a candy cane while posing as Santa.  I particularly like the background effect on the left and the roundness of her arms.

Santa Dog

"Santa Dog", Acrylic on Panel, 5x7"

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I'm back to the holiday theme today.  I actually painted three small ones…this is the only one I liked well enough to share.  This hat is now a bit too small for Stuart.

Autumn Dance

"Autumn Dance", Acrylic on Board, 24x36"

I was too focused on finishing this big one to do a holiday themed daily today, but I'll resume tomorrow.  Also, I have an idea that will allow the two series to overlap a bit.

Snowman Smile

"Snowman Smile", Acrylic on Panel, 7x5"

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Here's another snowman to end the week.  Though we have no snow, it's feeling quite chilly in Austin today.  I started another big painting today, but I'm hoping to find time to keep up with this daily series. The series is a bit twee, but I'm feeling festive. :)

Ballerina

"Ballerina", Acrylic on Panel, 7x5"

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I realize that I've been focusing more on the ornaments than the trees.  I suppose that's not too surprising, as most christmas trees look similar - not nearly as interesting to paint as live oaks, for example.  I'll try to paint some more trees before the month is over.

Bicycle Ornament

"Bicycle Ornament", Acrylic on Panel, 7x5"

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This ornament was given to me by my very first boss.  At the time (at 21), I thought it was a lame gift.  Now, I appreciate her thoughtfulness every time I hang it on the tree.

Texas Snowman

"Texas Snowman", Acrylic on Panel, 7x5"

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No one sent me any tree pictures yet, so I decided to an ornament detail today.  It is sad to me that this is the closest my kids have ever gotten to a snowman.  Growing up in Ohio, I can't count the number of snowman I made when I was little.  It was always such fun.

There's still time, if you'd like to see your tree in paint! :)

Before Tree

"Before Tree", Acrylic on Panel, 7x5"

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It's the holiday season, so it's natural that my tree obsession should turn towards Christmas trees.   We have a large artificial tree, which is lovely (and practical), but I found myself yearning for a real tree.  I got this tabletop version and am loving the pine smell in the house.    Here it is before decoration.

I am toying with the idea of doing a full month (well, more like 23 days) of tree paintings.   If you'd like to see your tree in paint, please send me a picture.  I'll paint the ones that I find inspiring. :)